AH, THE 2000s. When soap stars were the hottest people around, and everyone had extremely complicated hair styles. What a time.
Jack Ryder
As Jamie Mitchell, Jack was Eastenders’ resident heartthrob throughout the 90s and into the 2000s. He’s now a theatre and film director, and has said goodbye to the curtains.
Natalie Cassidy
Natalie played Jaime Mitchell’s love interest, Sonia Fowler – she left Eastenders in 2007, had brief success with a series of weight loss videos, then returned to the soap in 2014.
Adam Rickitt
Another soap star (this time Corrie) turned pop star, most recently seen on ITV’s Big Reunion programme. WHEN YOU TOUCH US WE BREATHE AGAIN, ADAM.
Samantha Mumba
After taking over the globe in 2000, Sam’s pop career quickly ground to a halt. She’s now married with a baby and living in Los Angeles, and has not aged. A. Day.
Derek Ryan (D Side)
Do you remember D Side? Ah you do. They broke up in 2006, and lead singer Derek is now quite a successful country and western singer in the vein of Nathan Carter.
Michelle Ryan
Another Eastenders alum (she played Zoe Slater), who has graduated to small parts in BBC and US dramas. This scene remains her finest acting achievement.
Gareth Gates
There was MASSIVE upset when Gareth lost out to Will Young in the first ever Pop Idol. Now he’s in musical theatre, and has fallen victim to an even worse hairstyle.
Mischa Barton
Her acting career has waned after the dizzy heights of The OC, but she did star in the 2012 Irish touring production of Steel Magnolias. There’s always that.
Richard Fleeshman
Otherwise known as Craig (you’re saying it in a Manchester accent, aren’t you) from Corrie, Fleeshman ditched the hair straighteners and turned to musical theatre after leaving the soap in 2006.
Charlotte Church
Starting out as an angelic soprano at the age of 11, Charlotte launched her raunchy pop career in 2005. She’s now known for being outspoken about political issues.
Jesse Metcalfe
His turn as the hot gardener on Desperate Housewives catapulted him to heartthrob status – ten years on, he’s still acting, and looks the exact same. He also has an extremely prominent tattoo of his ex, Nadine Coyle, in the nip. Yes, that Nadine.
Tina from S Club 7
Tina Barrett often played second fiddle to Rachel Stevens, but she did take significantly more risks, outfit-wise (see above). She attempted a solo career in 2012, but most recently reunited with her S Club bandmates for a tour.
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